The effects of mini-trampoline-Theraband and balance board-Theraband training on balance, fear of falling, functional strength and gait speed in older adults men

INTRODUCTION: Aging is a natural process marked by a gradual decline that considerably increases the risk of various health issues in older adults. PURPOSE: Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Mini Trampoline-Theraband (MTT) training versus Balance Board-Theraband (BBT) training on the balance, fear of falling, functional strength and gait speed in the older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study employed a semi-experimental design. The study was conducted at community centre gym. A total of thirty-six older adults volunteered for the study and were randomly divided into three parallel groups: the MTT training group (n = 12), the BBT training group (n = 12), and the control group (CON; n = 12). The Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST), and the six-meter walking test (6MWT) speed to assess balance, fear of falling, functional strength and gait speed at pre and post-training. RESULTS: Both MTT and BBT groups showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of training compared to the CON in balance (MTT: p = 0.002; BBT: p = 0.01), fear of falling (MTT: p = 0.007; BBT: p = 0.009), functional strength (MTT: p = 0.001; BBT: p = 0.007), and gait speed (MTT: p = 0.004; BBT: p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that both MTT and BBT training methods are effective in enhancing balance, reducing the fear of falling, improving functional strength, and increasing gait speed in older adults.